Hellertown Authority Hires Its Own Geologist

September 21, 1988|by TAD MILLER, The Morning Call

The Hellertown Authority has retained a geologist to evaluate existing and future water sources to serve borough customers.

The 14 springs that provide Hellertown's water for much of the year are good producers, but authority members wanted to know if development in nearby Lower Saucon Township could lower the water table and jeopardize that yield. If so, they would like to know if they should drill more wells, and where.

The assessment will not be an accounting of the available volume of water for purposes of water sales to non-borough customers, according to Chairman Miroslaw Pasternak. The authority was asked earlier this year by Lower Saucon Township if it would sell some water. Relying on a previous study, the authority appeared willing to do so, but Borough Council questioned the accuracy of the study and placed a moratorium on new service mains outside the borough.

Dr. Paul Myers, a Lehigh University professor who lives at 821 Magnolia Road, Hellertown, will study the best locations and evaluate existing and potential conditions. He said the borough system looks strong. But, he said, preparing for changing conditions and future needs is important.

"I don't think we're in any immediate danger because Hellertown has such a large amount of water," he said. But he predicted that the water table will drop because of development and more wells eventually will be needed to supplement the springs if they show a "systematic decline."

Pasternak asked if it would be wise to identify prime locations for wells and buy them before developers do so, if the authority does not already own the land. Myers said yes.

Myers suggested that another expert be retained to evaluate economic considerations involved in land purchase and the mechanics of operating wells.